Front brake backing plate

S

Simiewimie

Member
 Stratford Upon Avon
Evening!

Just heard, then noticed, that the backing plate on the drivers side front brake has totally come loose. Dammit.

Is this a fairly simple job to replace, or is it better I get it booked in somewhere?
 
You need to disturb the wheel bearing to replace it - try longer bolts with big washers first.
 
Rockhopper said:
You need to disturb the wheel bearing to replace it - try longer bolts with big washers first.
Click to expand...

Hi. Thanks for the reply.
So it may not need replacing, just refitting with longer bolts, and washers?
 
Most likely to be corroded through round the bolt heads.
You have to hope that the bolts come out ok and don't shear.
I did find one that someone had tie-wrapped into place.
Disturbing the wheel bearing to replace the plate may result in needing a new bearing.
What I did was buy a replacement hub with a good backing plate and swap the whole lot over. Sounds a faff, but just as easy as messing around with the bearing.
One on Ebay right now in fact:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204029996456?fits=Car+Make%3ABMW%7CModel%3AZ4&hash=item2f8122ada8:g:hbcAAOSwdbhixqKg
 
enuff_zed said:
Most likely to be corroded through round the bolt heads.
You have to hope that the bolts come out ok and don't shear.
I did find one that someone had tie-wrapped into place.
Disturbing the wheel bearing to replace the plate may result in needing a new bearing.
What I did was buy a replacement hub with a good backing plate and swap the whole lot over. Sounds a faff, but just as easy as messing around with the bearing.
One on Ebay right now in fact:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204029996456?fits=Car+Make%3ABMW%7CModel%3AZ4&hash=item2f8122ada8:g:hbcAAOSwdbhixqKg
Click to expand...

Brilliant. Thank you!
 
Simiewimie said:
enuff_zed said:
Most likely to be corroded through round the bolt heads.
You have to hope that the bolts come out ok and don't shear.
I did find one that someone had tie-wrapped into place.
Disturbing the wheel bearing to replace the plate may result in needing a new bearing.
What I did was buy a replacement hub with a good backing plate and swap the whole lot over. Sounds a faff, but just as easy as messing around with the bearing.
One on Ebay right now in fact:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204029996456?fits=Car+Make%3ABMW%7CModel%3AZ4&hash=item2f8122ada8:g:hbcAAOSwdbhixqKg
Click to expand...

Brilliant. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Depending how mechanically minded you are, it's actually not a difficult job to swap.
Need a ball joint splitter for the two pivot points.
The brake disc retining bolt can be a beggar to get out.
Get a new knuckle joint bolt for the bottom of the strut.
I make it all sound so simple, but there are a few pitfalls, so if you need the car back quick or don't have the resources, talk to a garage. They may well just say buy a new plate and a new bearing.
 
I haven't done the ones on my Z4, but on my 335d I just put big penny washers behind the bolts and it was fine.
 
Jakg said:
I haven't done the ones on my Z4, but on my 335d I just put big penny washers behind the bolts and it was fine.
Click to expand...
That is the first course of action yes.
It all depends how corroded everything is and whether the bolts come out ok.
 
Thank you.
My neighbour has the Z4M Roadster and knows what he’s doing, so will check if he’s about to help me. =)
 
I’ve got to make my way home now, but I assume it’s safe to drive with it like this… just a little noisy?
 
I initially cable tied mine up so it wouldn’t rattle. I changed to the washer idea as it got close to MOT time as some testers won’t pass it with cable ties on. There is a slight chance of the plastic melting as the brakes get hot and then the plate could get caught up in the wheel somehow.
 
Thanks for all the advice.
I’ve just been out and cable tied it for the time being and will get the plate/hub replaced before the MOT which is a few months away yet.
Looking behind there, it may be that a few other bits could do with replacing!

Thanks again for the help. :thumbsup:
 

Attachments

  • F30BD231-28C8-4FB8-86C0-F0B1BE56B2AA.jpeg
    F30BD231-28C8-4FB8-86C0-F0B1BE56B2AA.jpeg
    192.1 KB · Views: 643
Looking at that I think if you did decide to swap the hub then about a week of soaking everything in penetrating oil would be advisable. Still couldn't guarantee the knuckle bolt wouldn't shear, but if you're fitting a new hub that wouldn't matter too much.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom